Sorry this is coming so late, there was much to do in Honolulu. It is about 4:50 on Friday and I have just finished my classes for the day. I spent my first day in Honolulu at Pearl Harbor. I traveled with Matt his friend Udie (that’s how its pronounced, I’m not sure how its spelt but I did bring a Jap to Pearl Harbor ahaha) and my friend Rory. It was a very humbling experience and I’ll be interested to compare it to Hiroshima when I visit in Japan. We saw everything but the airplane museum which included the USS Arizona memorial, the USS Bowfin, and the USS Missouri and a museum about the war heroes. It was a lot of information to take in but I was really glad I went. On the Bowfin we got to see what life on a submarine was like. I got to lie in the beds and see the kitchens and offices along with where the missiles were launched. We all had our picture taken in front of the Missouri and I bought it along with the frame, all proceeds went to veterans. For buying that, I received free dog tags! I had R. Lindquist, Semester at Sea Pearl Harbor USS Missouri written on it. I received a call from Kena while I was on a tour of the Missouri which was comforting, but I did miss some of the information. From what I understood, the surrender of WWII took place on the Missouri and Canada signed on the wrong dotted line hahaa. We got to stand where those same leaders stood and signed the document, very neat! It was also the first time I had to find/use public transportation in a foreign city—trust me Hawaii is foreign, I was just lucky it was in English. I picked up postcards and sent them to family members, but didn’t get enough stamps so Gret, Joe, Trine, Damon and Kena I’m sorry I just sent one big one to mom and dad. I also got a Rosie the Riviter t-shirt which I’m proudly wearing around the ship today. They had her everywhere, which I thought was interesting—also there were TONS of Japanese tourists. Everything in Honolulu was in English and Japanese, which is very different from English or Spanish hahaha. Along this trip Matt Udie and I began to plan our trip to Tokyo, Udie’s home city. He talked with his mother and she said that it was around 40 degrees there! A great change from the wonderful weather we’ve been having. Udie also taught us some Japanese words and history and we teased him the whole time about being responsible for Pearl Harbor. He took it all great and I have a feeling Matt Udie and I will be great friends in Japan.
That night my friends Andrea Brittney and I went to dinner at an outdoor restaurant with some great live jazz music. I got the southwest egg rolls which were delicious and spicy! We met some tourists from Canada that bought us drinks and joined our dinner. Great fun and they are now following my blog! Hi Mike!! We then attempted to find a place 18+ for Andrea and I only to fail and come back to the ship and watch Sex and the City ahahah.
The next morning Matt and I had errands to do so we got a cab to Office Max, Borders and the mall and also got some lunch. I was able to get my external hard drive which I will be setting up tonight! I also got my computer that morning!! So I went to that same restaurant as last night which had free WiFi. Unfortunately I couldn’t get Skype to download quick enough and the ship would have left without me!! But I did get to IChat with Greta which was nice and I will have more time in Japan to figure it all out. My friend Dave gave me full access to his music and movies and I uploaded my pictures I still had left from this summer and the ones I have taken so far. It’s starting to feel like my computer again!
Today in Global Studies I wish Grandpa had been there to hear it. It was all about climate change and global warming…some things I’m sure he would have had a few words to say about, so I was thinking of you and your experiment Grandpa ;)
I’m feeling a little under the weather today. I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m back on the sea again or not but I’m very tired. I’ll spend the rest of the day working on my journals due in class for Creative Writing and Digital Story telling and watching some of my new movies.
I miss you all, and I’ll be back on land in 10 days!
Bigger than the sky….B
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I'll never be able to really exlpain...
It's Tuesday, 4:30 my time and I've just come back to the ship. These past 48 hours have been the most amazingly serendipitous moments of my life, and believe you me I have the sunburn to prove it. Hopefully this does it justice, however I feel like no one will ever understand these days accept for those who were with me. But, here goes.
We docked in Hilo, Hawaii early Monday morning and my friends Dave and Andrea and I (along with everyone else on the ship ahaha) went up to the top deck to watch it happen and to watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous, deep purple and orange. I got to call Mom and let her know that I was on land and I think she passed the message on. After we were all cleared for customs Dave, Andrea, Brittany, Claire and I walked into town…4 miles into town. We were unaware. So by that time we had been up since five and were in desperate need for coffee. We followed our noses and found the first place open; Bay Front Kava Java Shop. My friend Heather, Molly and Helen were just up ahead and joined us. Dave went to open the door but it was locked! The owner was in there making coffee and saw how pathetically desperate we were opened the door for us! He had his cute dog name Rufio…Rufie for short, laugh it up…in the shop with him. He was such a caring and compassionate person and told us all about the island, where to go, what to do, what NOT to do. But what I’ll always remember him for is his Kava, or what the locals call Awa (Ah-vah). It is a drink from the root of the Awa tree which is mixed with water and is supposed to clear your mind and locals have it in their coffee sometimes. We all climbed onto the bar stools and the owner (Dave) filled an enormous coconut bowl full of Awa for us and gave us all coconut bowls to drink out of. We sacrificed to the land by sprinkling some of the drink to the ground, and sacrificed to our ancestors by sprinkling some over our shoulders. Then we had to clap once, chug and clap twice when we were done. All of a sudden our mouths and throats went numb and we were all laughing and just felt so good. While we were all talking Dave made us some coffee, iced for me! Because he opened his shop up early for us, Rufie was neglected and did not get his morning walk. So we all took him around town and it was hilarious. People would come up and pet him yelling “Rufiooo! Where’s Dave!?” We quickly had to explain when we saw fellow SASers around town that we did not adopt a dog within the first hour on land. We got kicked out of the farmers market because he peed on the fruit stand (hahaha) but I got a great dress, and a beautiful opal bracelet. Once we returned Ruifo (3 hours later) and had walked around downtown Dave had been talking all about this place, Café 100 that all of his friends recommended. Let me tell you, the strangest combination of food I have ever eaten. I got a Super Loco Moco which consisted of white rice and gravy with meatloaf on top and fried egg on top of that. On the side; potato macaroni salad and fried spam. DELICOUS! While at lunch we decided to rent a car so we called a taxi whose drivers name was Theresa. She gave us directions to go to the hot springs in Puna which she said we just had to go to while we had a car. She drove us to the airport where we strolled right up to National and rented a white Chevy minivan which we christened “Bertha.” Well, we followed her directions and the hot springs were nowhere to be found. However we did stumble upon a field of dried lava cliffs on the ocean shore. It was a crazy scene-jagged black rocks with water crashing right up to it-tons of pics to be uploaded! Still trying to find the hot springs we stopped and asked for directions. This is where we met Oyen, a half Japanese local who has a degree in meditative studies, Daniel, from Manhattan, and Manny who is, and I quote “living in Hawaii for the people, coconuts, ganja, music and money.” They told us the hot springs were where the homeless bathe and quickly directed us to follow them and the spirits of the island to the Mermaid Pond-a totally secretive spot for locals only-and an Olympic sized natural infinity pool. We followed their car and the scenery quickly turned into something similar to the Congo. Signs everywhere said “Kuma! (Danger) Hawaiin burial sight” The road turned to more of a grass pass and then the three pulled over their car and we pulled behind them. Everyone looked around and I could tell they were uncomfortable. Here we are, in the jungle of Hawaii with three strangers. I just wanted to swim! Manny pointed to the path, gave us a Hawaiian wave and disappeared with the others into the forest. We waited about 10 minutes weighing the pros and cons…to see a natural pool and hang with locals? Orrrr possibly die in Hawaii before we make it to any other continent besides North America. Then, thankfully three female locals emerged from the path and yelled to us, “It’s great! The waters so warm!” That was it, I told the group they could pick me up later or come with me now. We all got out and tip toed to the path which was brimming with colorful flowers, one which I picked up on the way back and am pressing. We finally got down to the end of the path and we see the three hippies we had met fully clothed in their cars earlier, buck naked cannon balling into this huge natural pool. We wave, they don’t seem to be embarrassed and we stripped down to our bathing suits and carefully climbed the rocks around to get in. The water was so warm it was unbelievable. Some of the rocks acted as seats so we all formed a circle and began talking. Come to find out, Oyen knows Katrina’s friend Shawna, Daniel grew up in Jamaica Queens, and Manny is an amazing bongoist! We talked and laughed for hours and made three great friends all the while waves were crashing up against the pool replenishing the pool. Now by this time you probably think we’re all crazy for following these people and I’m sure mom is just imagining me in other countries but it really was one of those moments where you just felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be at that time. Serendipity. We all exchanged numbers and come to find out Manny will be in India playing in a huge reggae music festival while we’re there and we’ll be meeting up with him. The drive back, we had the windows down and music blaring and everyone was speechless. Matt had texted me telling us to come to a local bar, Margarita Village, right across from the peer so we all showered and got ready in 30 minutes and I wore my new dress and jewelry from the farmers market. Usually a local gay bar..haha Matt…Margarita Village had now turned in to a huge dance party of SASers. Almost half the ship was there and they were so swamped Matt even poured some beers for them! The owners name was Sheryl, she also bartended, and the regular bartenders name was Spencer. I also made friends with Sheryl’s Mom who introduced herself as, Mom and would not tell me her real name. While chatting with her I turned into a makeshift bouncer making sure people didn’t bring drinks out when they went to smoke. At this bar, there was a drink called a Grenade. A drink with two shot glasses in them, one long and thin (the grenades pin) the other regular sized. You are supposed to shot the pin and then drink the grenade before it ‘explodes.’ Disgusting but great! I ended the night with two more friends (Sheryl and Mom) some bouncing and bartending skills and great memories and pictures. Serendipity.
Today I woke up to a text from my friend Aly inviting me to go to Akaka Falls with her and a few others. I quickly got dressed and threw on my suit and we grabbed a cab there. It was the most breathtaking site that words can not describe, but I did take pictures! We were dropped off down town where we saw signs for paddle boarding, which is where you balance on a surf board and paddle around. We had our suits, so we walked right in! Serendipity. The place is owned by a father and operated by his son and nephew. I was awful at it and kept falling but it was great. Sadly, I had remembered to put sunscreen on my face, shoulders and chest that morning…but it was not mine and not waterproof. So every time I fell, the sun block came off. But the new sun block I had put on before we went out worked wonders!! So my stomach and legs are just the color I left them in CT, but my chest, shoulders and face are what the Crayola Company surely would name Sebastian the lobster. The boys took us to places around the island where we could jump off of (course I loved that) and three hours later they drove us back to the ship where I now sit waiting for everyone to get back on so we can head to Honolulu.
I wouldn’t have had my trip around the world start any other way, and I can’t even believe this is the beginning. Like I said these past two days were so amazing, just retelling them isn’t half as good. I’ll never forget it and I got most of it on tape. I love you all, and wish I could tell these stories better but the pictures will help and you’ll see the video when I get home. I get my computer tomorrow so I’m hoping to have a family Skype session at 7pm their time. I can’t wait to see your welcoming faces. Love you all bigger than the sky <3 b
We docked in Hilo, Hawaii early Monday morning and my friends Dave and Andrea and I (along with everyone else on the ship ahaha) went up to the top deck to watch it happen and to watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous, deep purple and orange. I got to call Mom and let her know that I was on land and I think she passed the message on. After we were all cleared for customs Dave, Andrea, Brittany, Claire and I walked into town…4 miles into town. We were unaware. So by that time we had been up since five and were in desperate need for coffee. We followed our noses and found the first place open; Bay Front Kava Java Shop. My friend Heather, Molly and Helen were just up ahead and joined us. Dave went to open the door but it was locked! The owner was in there making coffee and saw how pathetically desperate we were opened the door for us! He had his cute dog name Rufio…Rufie for short, laugh it up…in the shop with him. He was such a caring and compassionate person and told us all about the island, where to go, what to do, what NOT to do. But what I’ll always remember him for is his Kava, or what the locals call Awa (Ah-vah). It is a drink from the root of the Awa tree which is mixed with water and is supposed to clear your mind and locals have it in their coffee sometimes. We all climbed onto the bar stools and the owner (Dave) filled an enormous coconut bowl full of Awa for us and gave us all coconut bowls to drink out of. We sacrificed to the land by sprinkling some of the drink to the ground, and sacrificed to our ancestors by sprinkling some over our shoulders. Then we had to clap once, chug and clap twice when we were done. All of a sudden our mouths and throats went numb and we were all laughing and just felt so good. While we were all talking Dave made us some coffee, iced for me! Because he opened his shop up early for us, Rufie was neglected and did not get his morning walk. So we all took him around town and it was hilarious. People would come up and pet him yelling “Rufiooo! Where’s Dave!?” We quickly had to explain when we saw fellow SASers around town that we did not adopt a dog within the first hour on land. We got kicked out of the farmers market because he peed on the fruit stand (hahaha) but I got a great dress, and a beautiful opal bracelet. Once we returned Ruifo (3 hours later) and had walked around downtown Dave had been talking all about this place, Café 100 that all of his friends recommended. Let me tell you, the strangest combination of food I have ever eaten. I got a Super Loco Moco which consisted of white rice and gravy with meatloaf on top and fried egg on top of that. On the side; potato macaroni salad and fried spam. DELICOUS! While at lunch we decided to rent a car so we called a taxi whose drivers name was Theresa. She gave us directions to go to the hot springs in Puna which she said we just had to go to while we had a car. She drove us to the airport where we strolled right up to National and rented a white Chevy minivan which we christened “Bertha.” Well, we followed her directions and the hot springs were nowhere to be found. However we did stumble upon a field of dried lava cliffs on the ocean shore. It was a crazy scene-jagged black rocks with water crashing right up to it-tons of pics to be uploaded! Still trying to find the hot springs we stopped and asked for directions. This is where we met Oyen, a half Japanese local who has a degree in meditative studies, Daniel, from Manhattan, and Manny who is, and I quote “living in Hawaii for the people, coconuts, ganja, music and money.” They told us the hot springs were where the homeless bathe and quickly directed us to follow them and the spirits of the island to the Mermaid Pond-a totally secretive spot for locals only-and an Olympic sized natural infinity pool. We followed their car and the scenery quickly turned into something similar to the Congo. Signs everywhere said “Kuma! (Danger) Hawaiin burial sight” The road turned to more of a grass pass and then the three pulled over their car and we pulled behind them. Everyone looked around and I could tell they were uncomfortable. Here we are, in the jungle of Hawaii with three strangers. I just wanted to swim! Manny pointed to the path, gave us a Hawaiian wave and disappeared with the others into the forest. We waited about 10 minutes weighing the pros and cons…to see a natural pool and hang with locals? Orrrr possibly die in Hawaii before we make it to any other continent besides North America. Then, thankfully three female locals emerged from the path and yelled to us, “It’s great! The waters so warm!” That was it, I told the group they could pick me up later or come with me now. We all got out and tip toed to the path which was brimming with colorful flowers, one which I picked up on the way back and am pressing. We finally got down to the end of the path and we see the three hippies we had met fully clothed in their cars earlier, buck naked cannon balling into this huge natural pool. We wave, they don’t seem to be embarrassed and we stripped down to our bathing suits and carefully climbed the rocks around to get in. The water was so warm it was unbelievable. Some of the rocks acted as seats so we all formed a circle and began talking. Come to find out, Oyen knows Katrina’s friend Shawna, Daniel grew up in Jamaica Queens, and Manny is an amazing bongoist! We talked and laughed for hours and made three great friends all the while waves were crashing up against the pool replenishing the pool. Now by this time you probably think we’re all crazy for following these people and I’m sure mom is just imagining me in other countries but it really was one of those moments where you just felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be at that time. Serendipity. We all exchanged numbers and come to find out Manny will be in India playing in a huge reggae music festival while we’re there and we’ll be meeting up with him. The drive back, we had the windows down and music blaring and everyone was speechless. Matt had texted me telling us to come to a local bar, Margarita Village, right across from the peer so we all showered and got ready in 30 minutes and I wore my new dress and jewelry from the farmers market. Usually a local gay bar..haha Matt…Margarita Village had now turned in to a huge dance party of SASers. Almost half the ship was there and they were so swamped Matt even poured some beers for them! The owners name was Sheryl, she also bartended, and the regular bartenders name was Spencer. I also made friends with Sheryl’s Mom who introduced herself as, Mom and would not tell me her real name. While chatting with her I turned into a makeshift bouncer making sure people didn’t bring drinks out when they went to smoke. At this bar, there was a drink called a Grenade. A drink with two shot glasses in them, one long and thin (the grenades pin) the other regular sized. You are supposed to shot the pin and then drink the grenade before it ‘explodes.’ Disgusting but great! I ended the night with two more friends (Sheryl and Mom) some bouncing and bartending skills and great memories and pictures. Serendipity.
Today I woke up to a text from my friend Aly inviting me to go to Akaka Falls with her and a few others. I quickly got dressed and threw on my suit and we grabbed a cab there. It was the most breathtaking site that words can not describe, but I did take pictures! We were dropped off down town where we saw signs for paddle boarding, which is where you balance on a surf board and paddle around. We had our suits, so we walked right in! Serendipity. The place is owned by a father and operated by his son and nephew. I was awful at it and kept falling but it was great. Sadly, I had remembered to put sunscreen on my face, shoulders and chest that morning…but it was not mine and not waterproof. So every time I fell, the sun block came off. But the new sun block I had put on before we went out worked wonders!! So my stomach and legs are just the color I left them in CT, but my chest, shoulders and face are what the Crayola Company surely would name Sebastian the lobster. The boys took us to places around the island where we could jump off of (course I loved that) and three hours later they drove us back to the ship where I now sit waiting for everyone to get back on so we can head to Honolulu.
I wouldn’t have had my trip around the world start any other way, and I can’t even believe this is the beginning. Like I said these past two days were so amazing, just retelling them isn’t half as good. I’ll never forget it and I got most of it on tape. I love you all, and wish I could tell these stories better but the pictures will help and you’ll see the video when I get home. I get my computer tomorrow so I’m hoping to have a family Skype session at 7pm their time. I can’t wait to see your welcoming faces. Love you all bigger than the sky <3 b
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thankfully, last night I got the best nights sleep I’ve had in over a week. The rocking for the most part has stopped and it was my day to sleep in. I got to lay out on the top deck for a bit and had a Daily Vitalizer smoothie. I Signed up for another trip visiting an orphanage in Vietnam for the deaf and taking them to the zoo, hopefully I’ll get it!! Planned a trip with my friends to Pearl Harbor the second day in Honolulu and there is a bus that goes directly to Wal*Mart because everyone is desperate for supplies. Meals here consist of fish, pasta, potatoes and vegetables. And the further out into the ocean we get, the less there is. There was mac and cheese for lunch today, but it was nothing compared to grandma and ma’s mac and cheese. So I’ll be stocking up on snacks while I get the chance. There is however a smoothie bar which I have been visiting quite often…it’s where the bar is at night…they know my name by now hahaha. Wrote a poem for my creative writing class just an hour ago. Everything here is electronic so you post things in a folder on the computer lab computers, no printing!! The assignment was to write a poem about our childhood or family history but following Richard Hugo’s example to write off the subject. I wrote about falling off Leanne’s tire swing when I was younger….here goes!!
Bark
By: Rebekah Lindquist
Rubber tire, rope, tree.
One foot in, push off.
Bark flakes down towards the malnourished ground.
Wind in my hair-I’m flying
Mustang gelding off Misty Island
Hooves pounding with my own beat.
Dandelions die with the wind
Archaic automobile corroding in the driveway.
Thrust my hips towards the puffy dragon feasting in the sky.
Sudden stumble.
Tanned knee chipped away to red.
Lemon flavored Dum-Dum.
Tonight there was a pre-port lecture on Hawaii which takes place in the Union but because of our numbers is also screened in our rooms, so I had a few friends over to watch. It is also ‘Coffee House night’ and the performances can be heard from my room. There are some really talented people on the ship, including my neighbor Danny. Nothing else exciting today. Put a smile on my face to see Grandma texting, and it is so good to hear from everyone. Emails please!! I love you all bigger than the sky…b
Bark
By: Rebekah Lindquist
Rubber tire, rope, tree.
One foot in, push off.
Bark flakes down towards the malnourished ground.
Wind in my hair-I’m flying
Mustang gelding off Misty Island
Hooves pounding with my own beat.
Dandelions die with the wind
Archaic automobile corroding in the driveway.
Thrust my hips towards the puffy dragon feasting in the sky.
Sudden stumble.
Tanned knee chipped away to red.
Lemon flavored Dum-Dum.
Tonight there was a pre-port lecture on Hawaii which takes place in the Union but because of our numbers is also screened in our rooms, so I had a few friends over to watch. It is also ‘Coffee House night’ and the performances can be heard from my room. There are some really talented people on the ship, including my neighbor Danny. Nothing else exciting today. Put a smile on my face to see Grandma texting, and it is so good to hear from everyone. Emails please!! I love you all bigger than the sky…b
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thankfully I'm alive, exhausted, but alive.
Last night was the worst night by far. We could see the waves crashing into our window (keeping in mind I’m on the third deck) and I actually fell out of bed. There must have been some exorcism thing going on because drawers were opening and things were flying everywhere. People’s TV unbolted from the cabinets and dressers flipped over. No injuries though! Fingers crossed! Everyone is walking around like zombies due to a serious lack of sleep, but of course in good spirits because we’re all happy to be here and all of the classes are wicked interesting.
Matt Claire and I went to an Explorer Seminar last night called “What is the Historian Looking For? Reflections of the Last 40 Years,” with Jonathan Spence, a Chinese historian. Really interesting, the guy was the spiting image of Sean Connery. Going to try and find his book somewhere called “Woman Wong.” A story inspired by an old autopsy he found in the depths of the Oxford library from the 17th century. Then we came back to my room and watched “A Beautiful Mind” (after getting ice cream and a beer on the top deck of course!). The TV’s here are cool, there are five channels and movies are looped. Usually one cool one, one childrens movie and one about the next port. The other two are for announcements and show our position in the water. Soon I’ll be on one the channels once a week!
It was laundry day today!! Thank goodness because I totally blanked and didn’t do any before I left Matt’s for San Diego. Mostly just underwear and jeans…I know this isn’t news but you guys said you wanted to hear everything!!
Bought a purple SAS sweatshirt today which is totally yummy and warm. Glad to see all of your emails…feels like I’m connected with home again!! My Digital Storytelling class blew me away again today. We watched examples of past student’s Sea TV shows…things like a spoof on COPS, music videos, a soap opera called Dos Hombres y un Hermana (pardon my lack of Spanish spelling abilities, Leanne feel free to correct). If you have any ideas my group is brainstorming! We’re thinking because there are so many jews on the ship maybe a spoof on Jersey Shore called Jew Shore??? Thoughts???
Tonight there will be a meeting for Vicarious Voyagers ( a program I signed up for where I send back things to a classroom near my hometown…I got Waterbury…and share my experience with them ). I get to meet my partner, a girl named Tram Do and we will start making packages for them and thinking of things to send back from Hawaii tonight. Also there will be Speed Friending in the Piano lounge tonight…I’ll let you know how that goes.
They have closed the gym and courts because of the weather which is upsetting but makes sense because I can’t even stay on the treadmill for more then 30 seconds. I made friends with the videographer on the ship (Henry) and he’s going to be helping out in my Digital Storytelling class. Really sweet guy from SoCal (oddly enough most of my friends are from Cali) and his partner will be joining us in Vietnam. Already gave me some great tips on videography for our one minute stories in Digital Storytelling!
I’ve got my map up on my wall and have started charting our course. It was nice to read what everyone wrote and I miss all of you little joooons. Email me! Brooke…where are you!!?? Meg, are you alive?? Iman…lord knows I’m bonding with the muzzies on here and talking all about you. For all you Mills followers, we have a Craig Mccahill on the ship. His name is Toby and he too eats bugs. I’ll try and post a picture, you all will laugh. I’m finding a lot of people here remind me of people back home. Of course theres more Aaron Daigles then I’d like and a lot of Ty Morin-guitar-loving-shirtless guys, but I’m having fun and learning already from just the students and I’m not even in port yet!! New vocab; I’m so “blown” aka I’m so upset about something. Use it, spread it, love it.
My phone is on people!! you can send texts and I can respond. I’d love pictures, just got one of Kena..(thanks gret). I’m hoping to do a group Skype session when I’m in Hawaii and get my computer. I’ll keep you all posted. Love you all bigger than the sky. B.
Matt Claire and I went to an Explorer Seminar last night called “What is the Historian Looking For? Reflections of the Last 40 Years,” with Jonathan Spence, a Chinese historian. Really interesting, the guy was the spiting image of Sean Connery. Going to try and find his book somewhere called “Woman Wong.” A story inspired by an old autopsy he found in the depths of the Oxford library from the 17th century. Then we came back to my room and watched “A Beautiful Mind” (after getting ice cream and a beer on the top deck of course!). The TV’s here are cool, there are five channels and movies are looped. Usually one cool one, one childrens movie and one about the next port. The other two are for announcements and show our position in the water. Soon I’ll be on one the channels once a week!
It was laundry day today!! Thank goodness because I totally blanked and didn’t do any before I left Matt’s for San Diego. Mostly just underwear and jeans…I know this isn’t news but you guys said you wanted to hear everything!!
Bought a purple SAS sweatshirt today which is totally yummy and warm. Glad to see all of your emails…feels like I’m connected with home again!! My Digital Storytelling class blew me away again today. We watched examples of past student’s Sea TV shows…things like a spoof on COPS, music videos, a soap opera called Dos Hombres y un Hermana (pardon my lack of Spanish spelling abilities, Leanne feel free to correct). If you have any ideas my group is brainstorming! We’re thinking because there are so many jews on the ship maybe a spoof on Jersey Shore called Jew Shore??? Thoughts???
Tonight there will be a meeting for Vicarious Voyagers ( a program I signed up for where I send back things to a classroom near my hometown…I got Waterbury…and share my experience with them ). I get to meet my partner, a girl named Tram Do and we will start making packages for them and thinking of things to send back from Hawaii tonight. Also there will be Speed Friending in the Piano lounge tonight…I’ll let you know how that goes.
They have closed the gym and courts because of the weather which is upsetting but makes sense because I can’t even stay on the treadmill for more then 30 seconds. I made friends with the videographer on the ship (Henry) and he’s going to be helping out in my Digital Storytelling class. Really sweet guy from SoCal (oddly enough most of my friends are from Cali) and his partner will be joining us in Vietnam. Already gave me some great tips on videography for our one minute stories in Digital Storytelling!
I’ve got my map up on my wall and have started charting our course. It was nice to read what everyone wrote and I miss all of you little joooons. Email me! Brooke…where are you!!?? Meg, are you alive?? Iman…lord knows I’m bonding with the muzzies on here and talking all about you. For all you Mills followers, we have a Craig Mccahill on the ship. His name is Toby and he too eats bugs. I’ll try and post a picture, you all will laugh. I’m finding a lot of people here remind me of people back home. Of course theres more Aaron Daigles then I’d like and a lot of Ty Morin-guitar-loving-shirtless guys, but I’m having fun and learning already from just the students and I’m not even in port yet!! New vocab; I’m so “blown” aka I’m so upset about something. Use it, spread it, love it.
My phone is on people!! you can send texts and I can respond. I’d love pictures, just got one of Kena..(thanks gret). I’m hoping to do a group Skype session when I’m in Hawaii and get my computer. I’ll keep you all posted. Love you all bigger than the sky. B.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Signing up for more trips today for China, Nam, India and Cape Town...I'm going to be doing the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam and hoping for a service visit with deaf children to a zoo, but I'll have to wait to sign up for that because it's for another class on the ship and we have to wait to see if it fills up with those students. Then in India I'll be doing a yoga demonstration when we arrive and participating in a welcoming reception that night where we get jewelry, henna tattoos and learn dances!! Then in Cape Town I'll be doing a Jazz Safari where we tour local jazz clubs in the town...Dad, I'll take tons of video :) Also I have my white water rafting there and I'll be doing shark diving. For Hawaii I'm not sure what I'll be doing, definitely Pearl Harbor and there is a local Farmers Market that has some great shopping in Hilo...I"ll have to stop at Wal*Mart in Honolulu because we need to get some games up in here, getting some cabin fever. I'm writing this from a friends laptop on the seventh deck and it is so gorgeous. I'll be able to upload pictures I've been taking of friends, views and fun at pub night once I get my computer in Hawaii. My Digital Storytelling class I can tell will be my favorite of the trip. The teacher greeted us with Bob Marley and is an impressive traveler. She's great to talk to and really excited to have a Broadcast Journalist in the class (me). I'm missing Brooke, Leanne, Meg and Iman a lot. I find myself saying weird things that no one else understands....JUUUUUUNNEEE!!! and awww Mishkuuuu and so presh. People here don't quite appreciate it yet, but they'll come to love it I'm sure. It's been hard trying to plan all of these trips, find people to go with, ones where Matt and I can easily meet up. So today I just sat on the top deck and picked ones that I really wanted to do, and I know that everything will work out. I'm planning on winging a lot of this, I'd love to just see where all of this takes me :) Mom, your blanket has served me well, saved me $30 because our cabins are very cold and everyone else without a cool mom bought SAS blankets to make up for it. with love thats bigger than the sky....B
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My first day of classes are over, and now I’m in between two of my three classes today. So far, both teachers are great, rare breeds I think. My Pakistan teacher is incredibly funny and I know a few people in that class. My Global Studies class, which is one the whole ship has to take is fun-the teacher is very passionate, has a silly southern accent and openly admits to being dyslexic. Both Matt and I are in a Creative Writing course with Professor Hawks. He seems to really know his stuff and I’m confident he will really help my creativity. We must journal every day we are in port for that class, which I’m happy about because then I wont forget! Last night was ‘pup night.’ We get two drinks at dinner (I had two glasses of white zin) and three glasses after nine on the seventh deck. Kids had their IHomes out and were playing music and people were dancing and it was totally great.
You really wouldn’t believe how much this ship is rocking. Last night was pretty bad. Claire and I got maybe an hour of sleep the boat was rocking so much and things were flying all around our cabin. It felt like ghosts were in there because drawers were opening and the boat makes these hilarious sounds similar to what I would think a humpback whale matting call would be. A girl even tipped over in her chair in our creative writing class, I’ve got to be careful knowing how accident prone I am. We’ve all got our fingers crossed that it just because of the storm off of SoCal, which we’re trying to go around. I was just on the seventh deck with Matt and we were sliding around on our lawnchairs…make me feel skinny hahaha. I’m getting used to walking to class perpendicularly and everyone is very apologetic when you run into them. There are older passengers on the boat…I mean ship…(we’ve had it imprinted into our minds that’s it’s a ship, not a boat since day one)…They are called Life Long Learners and are traveling with us, participating in classes and everything just for fun! There is an adorable pair of sisters who have a particularly hard time getting around the ship from New York. Speaking of the best city in the world…MOM! One of my good friends on the ship’s mom went to Jamaica High School!!! She’s 54 so you might have gone to school with her! I’ll get her last name in a bit (remembering first names are hard enough for now). I miss you all a lot, please email me because it is free to check while updating my blog takes away internet minutes. I’d love to hear from you all, even if its just what you’ve done that day. Tearing up a bit, already miss Kena way too much. I’d like to know how she’s feeling and anything good going on back in the US. Love you guys, taking lots of pictures already!!
You really wouldn’t believe how much this ship is rocking. Last night was pretty bad. Claire and I got maybe an hour of sleep the boat was rocking so much and things were flying all around our cabin. It felt like ghosts were in there because drawers were opening and the boat makes these hilarious sounds similar to what I would think a humpback whale matting call would be. A girl even tipped over in her chair in our creative writing class, I’ve got to be careful knowing how accident prone I am. We’ve all got our fingers crossed that it just because of the storm off of SoCal, which we’re trying to go around. I was just on the seventh deck with Matt and we were sliding around on our lawnchairs…make me feel skinny hahaha. I’m getting used to walking to class perpendicularly and everyone is very apologetic when you run into them. There are older passengers on the boat…I mean ship…(we’ve had it imprinted into our minds that’s it’s a ship, not a boat since day one)…They are called Life Long Learners and are traveling with us, participating in classes and everything just for fun! There is an adorable pair of sisters who have a particularly hard time getting around the ship from New York. Speaking of the best city in the world…MOM! One of my good friends on the ship’s mom went to Jamaica High School!!! She’s 54 so you might have gone to school with her! I’ll get her last name in a bit (remembering first names are hard enough for now). I miss you all a lot, please email me because it is free to check while updating my blog takes away internet minutes. I’d love to hear from you all, even if its just what you’ve done that day. Tearing up a bit, already miss Kena way too much. I’d like to know how she’s feeling and anything good going on back in the US. Love you guys, taking lots of pictures already!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day one down
Day one is coming to a close… orientation all day, my brain is overloaded. Still extremely tired, but there is trivia tonight and just finished signing up for clubs and activites. I’m trying to meet people so I will have something to do when we dock!! Checked out a Lonely Planet Guide to Hawaii with Matt today, found some cool spots to see. Farmers market in Hilo and a cinema museum that plays old movies, foreign films and documentaries…the rest of the time we plan on asking locals—and getting a base tan ;) I was talking with my friend Heather about buying a rail pass for Japan, 5 days, all transportation for $124 which would be convenient. Breakfast was great this morning. Not to make all of you jealous but let me tell you we are living the life here…there are waiters to take your plates and get you drinks and our beds are made for us every morning by a gentleman named Auxilio, he even made my bed with Mom’s quilt! Mom and Dad, your money is well spent! We received information about a free email account which I set up today so you all can send emails if you want!
rwlindquist@semesteratsea.net
The boat is still really rocking…I went by the Captains quarters and he was blaring Queen’s “We will rock you,”…not funny. First day of classes are tomorrow and hopefully I’ll meet some more people in my classes. Already have found some really great people here. My roommate’s name is Claire, her birthday is tomorrow and we plan on treating ourselves to the spa….yes there is a spa. She from LA and we’re getting along great. Got a picture from Katrina of Makena and really appreciated it, made my heart smile. I think mom is setting up my phone so it can work internationally so that will be up and running sometime within the next few days. I miss you all and have pictures of everyone on my wall (thanks to Katrina). Bye for now!!
rwlindquist@semesteratsea.net
The boat is still really rocking…I went by the Captains quarters and he was blaring Queen’s “We will rock you,”…not funny. First day of classes are tomorrow and hopefully I’ll meet some more people in my classes. Already have found some really great people here. My roommate’s name is Claire, her birthday is tomorrow and we plan on treating ourselves to the spa….yes there is a spa. She from LA and we’re getting along great. Got a picture from Katrina of Makena and really appreciated it, made my heart smile. I think mom is setting up my phone so it can work internationally so that will be up and running sometime within the next few days. I miss you all and have pictures of everyone on my wall (thanks to Katrina). Bye for now!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
First day @ sea
Officially departed for Hawaii...food is good, ship is good, gorgeous mexican sunset-there will be a storm tonight--wish me and my dramamine luck! love you all!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
California looooove.
here in manhattan beach with matt, we've made 3 trips to target in the past 48 hours, still shopping for everything for him and tying up some loose ends for me. Got my credit card in the mail today (thanks mom!!) and my computer has been shipped to the apple store and hopefully it will be in hawaii to great me...hopefully! went on the boat last night with matt's family, almost had to call the coast guard to tug us in because we forgot oil it was hilarious, my sides still hurt this morning--but i guess i should get used to being stranded out in the ocean huh? Leaving for San Diego at 1 pm (western time) tomorrow to check into our hotel for the night and then we're shuttled to Mexico! In the mean time i get to meet up with Kristen and Luke today in Venice, a little people watching at muscle beach--there's nothing else like it-haha. Listening to marley right now, sun is shinning, i'm staring at matt's tangerine, lime and lemon trees in the back yard...think i'll have one for breakfast :)
with love from the beach <3
with love from the beach <3
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Keeping in touch...
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MV Explorer - Spring 2010 Voyage
ATTN: Rebekah Lindquist
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